Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of an Italian-American kitchen! This Spicy Chicken Rigatoni recipe isn't just another pasta dish - it's a flavor explosion that captures the essence of Buca di Beppo's most beloved entrée. With a perfect balance of creamy marinara, tender chicken, and a kick of red pepper flakes, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, pat chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- Season diced chicken with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet, spreading pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain pasta in a colander, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and add marinara sauce to the cooked chicken, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir, creating a creamy, spicy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat completely with sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and maximum flavor absorption.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the most authentic and rich taste.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes; for a milder version, reduce the amount.
- Fresh basil is crucial for garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal blend of creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 135mg
